Associate Eligibility Specialist (Hybrid)

County of Anoka; Blaine (MN); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Paid holidays

Insurance package

Pension plan

Job summary

Anoka County is seeking an Associate Eligibility Specialist at the Blaine Human Service Center to support the Economic Assistance team. The role involves screening applications for public assistance and SNAP, explaining programs, and maintaining electronic case files.

The position is full-time, non-exempt, with a hybrid work arrangement after training. Starting pay ranges from $50,897.60 to $68,702.40, with advancement opportunities based on experience and qualifications, plus comprehensive

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent education.
• Associate degree or higher in human services related field.
• One or more years of full-time (2,080 annual hours) job-related experience in a call center or reception.
• Experience assisting the public with healthcare, social services, public assistance or child support programs.
• Paid experience with MAXIS, MMIS, METS, and/or PRISM.

Responsibilities

• Review applications to determine manual, non-system generated eligibility for public assistance and child support.
• Explain programs, provide applications and instructions to applicants.
• Evaluate applications for program eligibility and required documents.
• Assist in reviewing documents for eligibility and prioritize work items.
• Answer complex eligibility questions by phone or in person.
• Direct the public to apply for SNAP, cash assistance, healthcare programs.
• Maintain electronic case files and records in state systems.
• Assist with healthcare applications via MNSure website.
• Create documents and schedule client appointments; support staff with various tech formats.

Skills

Call Center Experience

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Education

High School diploma

Associate degree or higher in human services related field

Job description

Hiring range: $50,897.60 - $68,702.40 ($24.47 - $33.03). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County.

Come join our team at Anoka County where you can serve your community while enjoying the benefits of work-life balance! This includes 24 days paid of flexible time off and up to 12.5 holidays your first year.

Position Description

The Anoka County Economic Assistance team is currently accepting applications to fill current and future Associate Eligibility Specialist vacancies. Our Economic Assistance mission statement is, “To provide effective services with a focus on dignity and self-sufficiency.” Associate Eligibility Specialist performs work under direct supervision. Will possess beginning-to-work knowledge of the subject matter, handles basic issues and problems associated with eligibility, and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.

The Associate Eligibility Specialist supports the Economic Assistance department as the first point of contact for clients and the community by providing program information, resources, answering case questions, and maintaining electronic documents.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hybrid position. In-person interviews will take place the week of November 2nd for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Pay & Benefits

• Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 28: $50,897.60 - $68,702.40 ($24.47 - $33.03)
• 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits and more at http://www.anokacountymn.gov/417/Benefits.
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement/professional development opportunities.

Work Location

• This position will work at the Blaine Human Service Center, located at 1201 89th Ave Ne, Blaine, MN 55434.
• This position may have hybrid remote opportunities after the training period.
• Expected work hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Review applications to determine manual, non-system generated eligibility for public assistance and child support programs. Provide information, applications, and detailed instructions to applicants of programs and services available.
• Evaluate applications for assignment and ensure they meet program requirements. This includes a thorough knowledge of a complete application, basic program rules and acceptable documents for each program.
• Assist in the review of submitted documents for program eligibility.
• Work with current recipients and/or Eligibility Specialist or Child Support Officer to locate and prioritize documents and assign them to the proper work queue to assist in the processing of emergency requests.
• Answer complex questions both via the phone or in person including providing program information, answering eligibility requirement questions and how to apply for benefits.
• Direct the public when applying for child support services and public assistance programs which include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance, emergency programs, and healthcare programs.
• Assist current recipients with inquiries regarding their case, program information, problem solving, and ongoing case management.
• Assist the public in applying for healthcare through the MNSure website.
• Provide appropriate information or determine the appropriate staff, department, or community agency to make referrals.
• Assign client appointments, create documents, and provide additional support to staff utilizing various formats of technology.
• Create and maintain electronic case files.
• Assist the public with the completion of applications and additional paperwork.
• Provide information to applicants on programs and services available.
• Maintain detailed, accurate records in state computer system.

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• High School diploma or equivalent education.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Associate degree or higher in human services related field.
• One or more years of full-time (2,080 annual hours) job-related experience working in a call center or in reception.
• One or more years of full-time (2,080 annual hours) job-related experience assisting the public with healthcare, social security, unemployment, public assistance or child support programs.
• Paid job-related experience with MAXIS, MMIS, METS, and/or PRISM.
• Job-related experience working in a social service/human services agency or closely related field.
• Call Center Customer Service Professional Certificate.
• Able to provide proficient customer service both in person and over the phone while managing a large volume of inquiries.
• Able to effectively and professionally communicate and interact with the public that have diverse life experiences.
• Able to accurately maintain electronic filing systems and systematic records and manage multiple computer programs and databases.
• Able to remain calm, objective, and professional while working under stressful conditions and able to deescalate difficult situations when problems arise.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and to comply with federal, state, and county rules and regulations.
• Able to display sensitivity to client needs for resources on health-related issues.
• Able to maintain flexibility in accepting assignments of various support tasks in a frequently changing work environment.
• Able to work independently, as well as on a team, collaborate with a diverse group, and stay organized while prioritizing multiple tasks and deadlines.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

• Standard office environment
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus, such as to work on computers. Ability to see colors, shades, and brightness
• Hearing abilities required for general and phone communication, signals, and machine sounds
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

Selection Process

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.

Pre-employment Requirements

Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

About Anoka County

As the fourth largest county in Minnesota, Anoka County thrives because of the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. United by our mission- Commitment to Excellence: Through collaborative efforts, we seek to improve lives and serve with care, integrity, and professionalism- we offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences. Together, we work toward a single purpose of serving Anoka County’s 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. If your career aspirations resonate with our mission, we invite you to Find Your Path with Anoka County!Hear from other Anoka County employees here.

Commitment to Aff…

Anoka County is committed to the principles of our Aff…? It is the policy of Anoka County to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, physical ability, sexual orientation, or age except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification. It is the policy of Anoka County to make employment decisions in a manner that will further our Aff… plan and Equal Employment Opportunity.

If you require accommodations or have any other questions regarding this job posting, please call the Anoka County Human Resources Department at 763-324-4300 and reference the posting title and number. If you have questions about the hiring process, please visit: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4411/Application-Process

Anoka County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy: https://www.anokacounty.us/401/Diversity-EEO